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Telephone:
Facsimile:
Our Ref:
Occupational Therapy
Vascular Service
(07) 5470 6747
(07) 5470 6766
Ankle Brachial Pressure Index Information
The arterial vascular status of the legs of all patients with lower limb
lymphoedema and vascular conditions should be assessed. The presence of
peripheral arterial occlusive disease may contraindicate compression therapy
or necessitate a reduction in the level of compression used.
Ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) provides an objective measure of the
patency of the large arteries supplying the blood to the foot. It is calculated
from the ratio of the highest ankle systolic pressure for each limb to the
highest systolic pressure in the arm.
An ABPI of 1.0 – 1.3 is normal, an ABPI of <0.8 indicates a degree of lower
limb arterial occlusive disease that precludes the use of high compression.
An ABPI below 0.5 indicates severe disease. If your patient’s ABPI is not
within the normal limits a referral to a Vascular Specialist is recommended.
Inability to obliterate the pulse signal during measurement or an ABPI > 1.3
also indicates vascular disease. However, it is possible for conditions which
stiffen the vessel walls (such as calcifications that occur in the setting of
chronic diabetes) to produce incorrect readings and high values (>1.3),
meriting further investigation regardless.
If ABPI's are abnormal or difficult to perform, the next step is generally a lower
limb doppler ultrasound examination to look at site and extent of
atherosclerosis in the lower limb arteries.
General Guidelines:
1. Doppler assessment is not diagnostic of peripheral arterial disease but
may be of value in defining a safe level of compression therapy.
2. Although helpful in defining when compression therapy is
contraindicated, an ABPI is meaningless when used in isolation.
3. All patients with an ABPI of less than 0.8 should be referred for
specialist assessment.
References:
Lymphoedema Framework, Best Practice for the Management of Lymphoedema. International Consensus. London:
MEP Ltd, 2006.
Vowden, P & Vowden, K. (2001) Doppler assessment and ABPI: Interpretation in the management of leg ulceration,
http://www.worldwidewounds.com/2001/march/Vowden/Doppler-assessment-and-ABPI.html Viewed 15th October,
2008.
Created May 10, Reviewed September 12
Enquiries to:
Telephone:
Facsimile:
Our Ref:
Occupational Therapy
Vascular Service
(07) 5470 6747
(07) 5470 6766
Where to get an ABPI or Arterial Ultrasound performed on the
Sunshine Coast
Queensland Diagnostic Imaging
Buderim: 07) 5444 5877
Noosa: 07) 5430 5200
o At Noosa, patients with Medicare cards are bulk billed for all
services.
o At Buderim, arterial ultrasounds cost approximately $300 of
which $140 can be recovered. Pension card or health care card
holders are bulk billed.
Sunshine Vascular Imaging
Buderim: 07) 5453 4300
Dr Schultz also runs Clinics at Caloundra on Wednesdays and Fridays
o All Patients are bulkbilled for arterial ultrasounds and ABPIs.
o If two legs need assessment, it is performed on separate days.
X-ray and Imaging
Caloundra:
07) 54382088
Coolum Beach: 07) 54461599
o All patients with a medicare card are bulk billed for arterial
ultrasounds and ABPIs.
Sunshine Coast Radiology
Maroochydore (main booking centre): 07) 54793911
Selangor Private Hospital Nambour: 07) 54415888
Nambour Howard Street:
07) 54411599
Warana:
07) 59933100
Buderim:
07) 54562400
o All Centres bulk bill patients with a medicare card for arterial
ultrasounds and ABPIs.
The above prices are only a guide and are subject to change. It is
advisable to contact the clinic directly for an exact quote.
Created May 10, Reviewed September 12